At Skate Canada International, Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy LeDuc captured bronze with a program that looked a lot like their 2019 free skate. The matching ombré-gray jumpsuits are back, as is their hauntingly lyrical music from the W.E. soundtrack.

But this year's revitalization is different from the program that led to their first U.S. title. The pair's fan-favored chemistry and complimentary long lines remain, however, the transitions are quicker, smoother and more complex. Most notably, when the music starts, Cain-Gribble and LeDuc now stand face-to-face.

Perhaps that subtle change is analogous to the team's trajectory.

"When selecting music for this upcoming Olympic season, there was no doubt in our minds this program would showcase our strengths," LeDuc, 31, said. "We've never been a traditional pairs team, so this time, we've titled the free skate, 'Two Pillars of Strength' to emphasize the equality in our partnership."

Cain-Gribble and LeDuc first partnered in 2016, when their skating styles, drives and sense of humor aligned at a tryout. Even then, their shared goal was to compete at the Olympic Winter Games.

With Beijing in mind, the Dallas-based team has relied on their compatibility to push their technicality and artistry forward during their six seasons together.

"There's a lot to be said about longevity and learning your partners cue's to get in the right frame of mind together," Cain-Gribble, 26, said. "We've realized when the other person goes quiet, it's time to get connected. We talk to each other to get through moments of doubt."

LeDuc echoed Cain-Gribble, comically reflecting that the team's growth has been like "a fine wine."

"A good pair team ages together like a soup that goobers," LeDuc said with a laugh. 

The team's candid humor and vulnerability have rippled outward into the skating community. LeDuc specifically has been transparent about their sexual and gender identity throughout their athletic career. They came out as nonbinary this year, and Cain-Gribble has been outspoken in her support.

"Neither of us saw ourselves represented in skaters that were successful in the sport," they said. "It's really important to both of us to not only make a pathway for ourselves, but for the next generation of athletes. We want to send the message that you can embrace what makes you unique and still find your way to success."

Cain-Gribble nodded and said their acceptance of one another has translated in their performances and into the crowd. Several fans waved rainbow flags following their short program and free skate at Skate Canada International.

"We're able to skate with ease that when we're wholly being ourselves," she said.

That authenticity contributes to the trust between the team. The pair was well conditioned and mentally prepared transitioning out of the off-season — until Cain-Gribble contracted COVID-19. Feeling ill and isolated, she leaned into LeDuc's support during her two weeks off and her transition back to the ice.

"Tim would call me and we would go over our programs' imagery and the things they had worked on at the rink that day," she said. "I developed asthma after COVID, but I didn't feel pressure to all of a sudden be back at 100%. They gave me space to recover properly."

"We have learned from past experiences, like overcoming unknown variables and injuries, that we will make it past any obstacle if we stay close," LeDuc said. "Being adaptable and relying on one other are important qualities in an elite sport. Over the years, we've watched our results rise."

Naturally, the pair's goal setting is transparent, too. Of course they want to go the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 — they don't see the point in denying that — but that doesn't detract from the value they place on loving the sport.

"There's sort of a spectrum for goal setting," LeDuc said. "On one end, it's result-oriented and the other is based on feelings. I think the balance between the two is important. We want to feel good about ourselves as athletes."

"We're at our best when we can combine both of those goals," Cain-Gribble added. "If we can go out in NHK Trophy this weekend and leave it all on the ice, we'll always be happy with that."

The pair decided to build their partnership on friendship from the moment they met, but there's more than trust that's remained the consistent. In the last 30 seconds of their 2019 and 2021 free skate, before Cain-Gribble descends into a final death drop, the team picks up speed. The crowd erupts applause, as Cain-Gribble and LeDuc's movements and expressions reflect one emotion: freedom.

Fans can watch Team USA this week at NHK Trophy live and on-demand on Peacock Premium. Check out the Grand Prix Series Competition Central page to follow Team USA throughout the season.